A Spy's Devotion (The Regency Spies of London #1)(36)

“Felicity,” Julia leaned close, not wishing anyone to hear her words, “My uncle has put a great deal of pressure on me to marry Mr. Edgerton. But I do not wish to marry him.”

“Because of his reputation for gaming? Perhaps that has been exaggerated.”

Julia shook her head at her friend. Felicity was too kindhearted to believe evil about someone without indisputable proof.

“Even if that were so, there is still the matter of his drinking too much. Not only that, but there is something in his eyes that I do not like. You remember what happened at the other ball, where he followed me into that room and made me uncomfortable. I cannot marry him.” Julia was careful to keep her voice down.

“Perhaps he did not intend to make you uncomfortable. But if you do not wish to marry him . . .” Felicity frowned and bit her lip. “Surely your uncle will understand and will not force you.”

“It was almost frightening, the way he accused me of being ungrateful for not marrying the man. He is very set on the idea.” Julia’s heart was starting to pound just thinking about the terrible conversation.

Felicity shook her head and continued chewing on her lip. “Do you think Mr. Edgerton is so very bad? Perhaps you should at least dance with him.”

“I would not have thought he could make you his ally so easily, Felicity. He must have sounded convincing, but I’m afraid I do not wish to be near the man. I cannot marry him, and I could never fall in love with him. You should believe me, for I know it is so.”

“I am sure you are very sensible, Julia, but he spoke of you in the most glowing terms.”

Suddenly, a young man Julia was not acquainted with came and asked Felicity for the next dance. She agreed and excused herself from Julia.

Julia was relieved to see Mr. Langdon escorting Phoebe to the dance. She only hoped Phoebe didn’t get upset over him asking Julia to dance first.

Julia stood near her aunt in an out-of-the-way spot so she could observe the guests without being obvious. Her uncle was no doubt smoking and swapping stories with the other men in another room. Her aunt sat listening to two older women, looking thoroughly bored.

Aunt Wilhern suddenly turned and caught Julia’s eye. “Julia, will you fetch me some lemonade?”

“Of course, Aunt.” Julia hurried to obey her aunt’s request, catching a glimpse of Phoebe’s radiant face as she smiled up at Mr. Langdon.

Julia hurried to the side room where the refreshment table was set up and retrieved the lemonade. As she turned to take it to her aunt, she had to stop to prevent a collision with Mr. Edgerton.

“Miss Grey,” he said in a most intimate-sounding voice. His smile was almost feline, like a cat staring at a mouse.

I am no mouse. Julia’s spine stiffened. “Excuse me, but you are blocking my way.”

“Forgive me, Miss Grey.” Still he didn’t move. “I have been hoping to speak with you.”

“I do not have the time. I must take this lemonade to my aunt. Excuse me.” Julia did her best to let her voice convey firmness while hiding the fear that rose inside.

Mr. Edgerton took hold of her arm. She couldn’t jerk away or she would spill the cup of lemonade in her hand. He leaned even closer. “I will not let you go, unless you agree to meet me in the courtyard.”

“I will not.” Julia’s voice shook. How dare he! Oh Lord, it was starting again. If he could convince her to meet him in the courtyard, he could possibly force her into a compromising situation so that she would be practically forced to marry him. Who could she turn to for help without making a scene and creating gossip?

“Unhand me this instant,” she said as quietly as she could.

“Can’t you see that I adore you? Your uncle has insisted you marry me. Will you defy him?”

“You are no gentleman!” She glanced around to see who might be watching them. No one seemed to pay them any attention. Indeed, few people were in the room besides the servant who had served her the lemonade, but she was sure the maidservant was listening to every word.

Mr. Edgerton only gripped her arm tighter. “You should be reasonable. Nothing good can come of your resistance.”

“Mr. Edgerton, you will unhand me this moment, or I shall call my uncle to defend me.”

He let out a chuckle. “Your uncle is nowhere near. Come with me.” His voice was coaxing as he pulled on her arm, causing the lemonade in her cup to slosh, nearly spilling.

Julia had no choice; she would be forced to throw the lemonade in his face and cause a ruckus the entire party would hear of. But when she tried, his grip was too tight. She could do no more than slosh out a few drops onto the floor.

Her face burning and her breath coming in hollow gasps, Julia said, “I will never meet you, in the courtyard or anywhere else. You are a fiend, and if you do not let go—”

“Excuse me, Mr. Edgerton.” Mr. Langdon strode quickly to her side. “But you are detaining my dance partner.” Mr. Langdon gave Mr. Edgerton a withering look, his jaw twitching.

Mr. Edgerton let go of Julia’s arm. Mr. Langdon took the cup of lemonade from her hand and calmly set it on the table. He held out his arm to her and led her away from the red-faced Mr. Edgerton.

They arrived on the dance floor just as the music started, and Julia blinked the traces of tears from her eyes to see Mr. Langdon’s face. His brows were lowered and his jaw set in a rock-hard line. Then, as they began to engage in the steps of the dance, his expression softened. “Are you all right, Miss Grey?”